Arthroderma tuberculatum and Arthroderma multifidum Isolated from Soils in Rook (Corvus frugilegus) Colonies as Producers of Keratinolytic Enzymes and Mineral Forms of N and S

Keratinolytic fungi representing the genus Arthroderma that were isolated from the soils of a rook (Corvus frugilegus) colony were used as biological agents for the disposal of waste feathers. The aim of this study was to assess the abilities of Arthroderma tuberculatum and Arthroderma multifidum fungi with a varied inflow of keratin matter to biodegrade waste feathers. The evaluation was based on the determination of feather mass loss, the activity of keratinolytic enzymes, and the content of mineral N and S forms. It was found that the activity of protease released by the fungi contributed to an increase in the level of soluble proteins and peptides and the concentration of ammonium ions, as well as alkalization of the culture medium. Keratinase activity was significantly correlated with sulfate release, especially in A. tuberculatum cultures. The strains of A. tuberculatum fungi isolated from the soil with the highest supply of organic matter, i.e., strains III, IV, and V, had the lowest enzymatic activity, compared to the A. multifidum strains, but they released mineral nitrogen and sulfur forms that are highly important for fertilization, as well as nutritionally important peptides and amino acids. A. tuberculatum strains can be used for the management of waste feathers that can be applied in agricultural practice.

Molecular phylogeny and morphology of Cunninghamella guizhouensis sp. nov. (Cunninghamellaceae, Mucorales), from soil in Guizhou, China

During a survey of keratinolytic fungi in China, three Cunninghamella strains were isolated. Phylogenetic analyses of ITS and ITS+LSU+EF-1α sequence data showed that these strains constitute a new species related to C. blakesleeana, C. bigelovii, C. multiverticillata and C. phaeospora. The new species differs from C. multiverticillata and C. phaeospora in the shape and size of its teminal and lateral vesicles and can be distinguished from C. blakesleeana and C. bigelovii by the absent of zygosporangia, and the shape and size of it sporangioles. The results of phylogenetic and morphological analyses indicate that the three strains are a new species of Cunninghamella. Descriptions and illustrations of this novel species are provided in this paper.

Utilization of Keratinolytic Lichtheimia corymbifera AS1 for Degradation of Cattle Hoove – a Slaughter House Waste to Use in Plant Growth

In this study, four keratinolytic fungi were isolated from soil. Amongst that one was producing much keratinase, it was identified as Lichtheimia corymbifera AS1. The organism was capable of producing keratinase (11.8 U/mL) and also of capable degrading 96 % of cattle hooves, a waste obtained from slaughter house in 60 days. The hydrolysate of the hooves degraded medium was used to check its role in seed germination and plant growth. The hydrolysate was found to have much positive influence over the plant growth. Thus, it is helping in degrading waste and helpful for plant growth.

The Potential of Keratinolytic Fungi for Biotechnological Applications in Leather Manufacture

Keratinophilic fungi are present in soil as decomposers of keratinous substrates, while keratinolytic fungi have the capacity to decompose native keratin, the insoluble fibrous proteins from living organism. Keratin materials, especially by-products from food industry and animal husbandry must be harnessed through innovative, non-polluting and low-cost solutions. The nonpathogenic keratinolytic fungal species produce extracellular keratinases which have many and various applications, one being in leather industry where dehairing process of skin and hides require keratinolytic activity. The present study investigates the biodegradative potential of selected keratinolytic fungal microorganisms expressed towards different types of animal skins. The ability of Fusarium sp. 1 A strain to produce keratinase with a good activity towards animal skins was confirmed. These results suggest that after further studies, Fusarium sp.1A could play an important role in processing of animal wastes.